Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
The marbled hatchetfish reaches about 3 to 4 cm. Its body is tall and laterally compressed, with a sharp belly. It has a dark brown marbled pattern on a silvery background. Its pectoral fins are large and allow it to glide. It is a gregarious and peaceful fish that lives in schools. It is very active at the surface. In the aquarium, it needs a lid. It feeds on insects and small crustaceans. Its mouth is upturned.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 5.5–7 |
| GH | 1–5 |
| KH | 1–3 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Care notes
Temperature 24 to 28°C, pH 5.5 to 7.0, very soft GH (1-5°d). A tank of at least 60 liters is recommended for a group of 6 to 8 individuals. Diet is insectivorous: fruit flies, microworms, brine shrimp, and surface flakes. Filtration should be gentle. Subdued lighting and floating plants are ideal. A lid is mandatory. Avoid overly active fish. Breeding is difficult, requiring very acidic water and fine-leaved plants for spawning.